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More than 300 Amtrak (amtrak.com) trains operate daily, chugging along 21,000 miles of track in 46 states, three provinces in Canada and the District of Columbia. The rail carrier offers an array of methods for purchasing a train ticket, ranging from an old-fashioned telephone call to using a mobile app for your smartphone. Many of them include a discount for passengers who have the time to plan ahead.

Buying a Ticket

Tickets are typically most expensive when they're purchased on the train or at a station on the same day you plan to travel. Larger stations without a ticket agent frequently have Quik-Trak Kiosks, and you can call Amtrak 24 hours a day to buy a ticket. Discounts are available for travelers who make their reservations online or via Amtrak's mobile applications. If you're uncomfortable with making your own travel arrangements, contact a travel agent. Amtrak accepts credit cards and debit cards with a credit card logo. Ticket agents also accept cash.

eTickets

Every Amtrak route accepts e-tickets, as will all thruway bus service routes in California starting in 2013. E-ticketing removes the need to wait in line or have your tickets mailed to you. You can buy your ticket online or through Amtrak's mobile app and print the PDF that arrives with your confirmation email. If your tablet or smartphone reads PDFs, you needn't print the e-ticket. Simply open the attachment so Amtrak personnel can read the bar code on the ticket. eTickets are also available at QuikTrak Kiosks and at stations with ticket agents.

Deals and Rewards

Amtrak offers a number of deals and a rewards program for travelers, including discounts for AAA members, students and members of the military. Members of Amtrak's email list get advance notice of deals as they're rolled out. SmartFares, available Tuesday through Friday, allow discounted travel for trips up to two weeks after purchase. Passengers enrolled in the Guest Rewards program receive points redeemable for future travel on each trip and access to promotions from partner companies such as hotel chains and florists. USA Rail Passes allow multiple trips during a set time frame.

Considerations

Amtrak requires valid photo identification for passengers 18 years old and older and those 15 years old and older traveling alone. You will need ID if you purchase your tickets from a ticket agent or on board and when train personnel do random ticket checks. If you lose your ticket, you must buy a new ticket for travel, but you can request a refund from Amtrak up to a year from the date you purchased the ticket. If your train travel takes you across the Canadian border, you will need to provide Amtrak with detailed information when you purchase your ticket.

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About the Author

Meg Jernigan has been writing for more than 30 years. She specializes in travel, cooking and interior decorating. Her offline credits include copy editing full-length books and creating marketing copy for nonprofit organizations. Jernigan attended George Washington University, majoring in speech and drama.